72 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



COMMON MEDICINES, ACTION, USES AND METHODS OF 

 ADMINISTRATION 



DEFINITIONS 



Antiseptics: Agents used on or in the body in the treatments of 

 wounds or diseases which prevent the growth and development of 

 germs. Example: Carbonic acid, bichloride of mercury, iodine, creo- 

 lin, etc. 



Astringents: Agents which contract tissues and check secretions. 

 Example : Alum, zinc, tannic acid, etc. 



Carminatives: Agents which aid in the expulsion of gas from the 

 stomach and intestines. Example: Ginger, turpentine, aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia. 



Disinfectants: Agents which destroy the germs that cause infec- 

 tious diseases. Example : Chloride of lime, carbolic acid, creolin, 

 formalin. 



Deodorants: Agents which disguise or destroy odors. Example: 

 Creolin, carbolic acid. 



Laxatives: Mild cathartics. Example: Small doses of oil, bran 

 mash, green foods. 



Purgatives: (Cathartics). .Argents which empty the bowels. Exam- 

 ple: Aloes, salts and linseed oil. 



Parasiticides: Agents which kill animal and vegetable parasites 

 infesting the skin. Example: Carbolic acid, creolin, salicylic acid. 



Stimulants: Agents which promptly but temporarily increase ner- 

 vous vigor. Example: Alcohol, aromatic spirits of ammonia, ether. 



Styptic: Agents which check hemorrhage. Example: Tincture 

 of iron. 



COMMON MEDICINES 



Aloes Barbados: Purgative dose, six to eight drams. This is a slow 

 but powerful acting cathartic taking about twenty-four hours to oper- 

 ate. Of value whenever an active purge is desired. May be given in 

 the form of a ball or in solution in hot water. It should not be given 

 when there is great weakness, a tendency to diarrhoea, or in respira- 

 tory diseases. Ginger is generally given with aloes to overcome the 

 griping which it causes. 



Ammonia, Aromatic Spirits: Stinmlant and carminative. Dose one 

 to two ounces diluted with pint of water. Of great value in exhaustion, 

 and in the treatments of colics. 



Charcoal: A mild antiseptic and deodorant. Used as a dry dressing 

 for foul smelling wounds, either alone or in combination with other 

 drugs. 



Acid, Boracic (boric acid) : Nonirritant antiseptic. Used in all 

 strengths up to a saturated solution as a mild, soothing antiseptic in 

 diseases of the eyes, and a wet or dry dressing for wounds. Also in 

 the form of an ointment for burns, etc, Strength ten per cent or in 

 combination with other drugs. 



